Busch Gardens announces new drop tower ride

Park officials said June 11 that Falcon's Fury is scheduled to open next spring in the park's Timbuktu area. It is replacing the Sandstorm ride.

Planned as the tallest free-standing drop tower in North America, Falcon's Fury will take riders 300 feet into the air, tilt their seats 90 degrees forward and then drop them for about five seconds of free fall. The experience is meant to simulate the feel of a diving bird of prey.

Falcon's Fury will be the biggest addition to the park since the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster opened in May 2011. The park recently raised the price of a single-day ticket to $89 for adults and $81 for children.